Jamal Khan, an accomplished technology executive, leads the CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics. He also serves as the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection, Inc. With a two-decade track record of success across diverse domains, Jamal orchestrates the strategic design and execution of innovative growth initiatives at Connection. His leadership extends to multiple teams, where he spearheads transformative improvements across various facets of the organization.

Drawing from his extensive expertise in core technology, sales, marketing, and operational P&L management, Jamal has consistently nurtured high-performance organizations through well-honed operating principles. His skills are tailored to bring pioneering technology solutions and products to market, lead ongoing operations, and drive strategic alignment, turnaround, and breakout performance.

Recognized as an industry luminary, Jamal's experience encompasses specialized domains such as equity trading platforms, electronic commerce, and cyber security. Notably, he has served as a regular guest lecturer at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business, imparting his insights into the realm of Artificial Intelligence. Jamal's innovative spirit is further evident through his co-invention of six approved patents, spanning human-machine interface design, data orchestration, and machine learning. His contributions also extend to the dynamic world of technology startups, where he has lent his expertise as an investor and mentor.

Jamal's journey with Connection took shape through the acquisition of GlobalServe Inc. in 2016, where he had served as Chief Executive Officer. As a trailblazer, he brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at prominent institutions such as Instinet, VeriSign, and Merck Medco. At the core of Jamal’s leadership philosophy lies a resolute dedication to nurturing a team culture woven with values such as passion, velocity, quality, and meticulous attention to detail. Jamal’s teams embrace the principle of "checking egos at the door," recognizing that humility is the cornerstone of collaboration. He also champions adaptability and learning across diverse contexts, navigating challenges with unwavering determination, even amidst constraints. As a leader, his aspiration is to empower individuals to achieve their utmost potential, fostering an environment where growth and the pursuit of excellence are ingrained in every endeavor.

With a profound commitment to driving innovation, Jamal Khan's leadership at the Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics underscores his pivotal role in shaping the future of AI-driven solutions while guiding organizations towards enhanced growth and transformative excellence. Jamal sits on the SPAC council at Intel as well as the Worldwide MPAB board at HPE.

After spending more than 20 years leading several national retail organizations, Brian Gallagher, Retail Strategy Director, has been leading Connection's Retail Practice since 2016. Brian is responsible for directing the sales and partner organization to meet the challenges throughout retail and hospitality. Connection’s Retail Practice focuses on strengthening the relationship between our partners and our customer’s entire organization. During his tenure, Connection’s retail practice has grown at an average annual rate of greater than 10%. Connection is especially focused on developing solutions for Specialty Retail, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores, Big Box Retail, and Quick Serve Restaurants. Brian’s focus on deployment of complex technology solutions, such as AI, has delivered amazing results for the more than 900 brands supported by Connection.

Brian’s most recent leadership roles include nine years as VP of Store Operations for Brookstone, Director of Store Operations at Lindt Chocolate, VP of Sales for Crabtree & Evelyn, and Director of Store Ops Administration for Sterling Jewelers. Brian is a graduate of the University of Akron and currently lives in Wimberley, TX with his wife, Shannon.

Brian is deeply passionate about the relationships between organizations, their teams, and their customers. The acceleration of technology deployment in the retail space creates a unique opportunity to simultaneously improve employee engagement and customer experiences. Brian’s goal is to create stronger connections between our partner solutions and our customer’s business goals.